The Effect of Political Leaders on Other Political Leaders

Abstract

An anecdote is often told of a group of political leaders from Northern Ireland, standing together in a conference room in South Africa. A smaller number of these leaders are huddled together, making polite small talk as they wait for their hosts to arrive. They stand beneath a ceiling fan which has seen better days. It seems loose, as if it is ready to fall. Rather worriedly, one leader comments that it might fall down and hit them. Another responds: ‘You’re right — and this could be the first time that the fan hits the shit’!¹ This anecdote is revealing in many ways. First, there is the tacit acknowledgment that political leaders in Northern Ireland did come together during the peace process, albeit outside of the parameters of Northern Ireland. Secondly, that in doing so they were then able to discuss matters completely unrelated to broader political events in Northern Ireland. Thirdly, that some of them showed a self-deprecating humour and others appreciated the humour enough to carry the story back to Northern Ireland and this is evidence of a trait which might ultimately help the peace process in its darker periods.²